On the online bin packing problem

  • Authors:
  • Steven S. Seiden

  • Affiliations:
  • Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

  • Venue:
  • Journal of the ACM (JACM)
  • Year:
  • 2002

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Abstract

A new framework for analyzing online bin packing algorithms is presented. This framework presents a unified way of explaining the performance of algorithms based on the Harmonic approach. Within this framework, it is shown that a new algorithm, Harmonic++, has asymptotic performance ratio at most 1.58889. It is also shown that the analysis of Harmonic+1 presented in Richey [1991] is incorrect; this is a fundamental logical flaw, not an error in calculation or an omitted case. The asymptotic performance ratio of Harmonic+1 is at least 1.59217. Thus, Harmonic++ provides the best upper bound for the online bin packing problem to date.